Deadline set for free pneumococcal vaccination

The Wellington Shire Council is urging people to take action against the pneumococcal bacteria.

The shire is offering free vaccines until the end of September.

People vaccinated against the bacteria before July 1 last year are reminded that the vaccine has since been improved.

The Mayor of the Wellington Shire Council, Peter Cleary, says the program is designed to reach children who may be vulnerable to the bacteria.

"This vaccine can help prevent serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections and I think the other thing that's important to mention is that this vaccine is actually an upgraded version of previous vaccines that children may have received at their two, four and six-month immunisations," he said.

"It is a wonderful program and it's a program that the shire's particularly proud of particularly because it is free.

"I think the other important thing to remember is that we do these in cycles - September the 30th is the deadline for parents to take this free immunisation up."